Welcome to planDisney, Lisa!
Thank you for bringing your concern and insightful question to our team. Most importantly, thank you or your family members for their service to our great nation. My husband is also a Veteran but has not retired from the U.S. Military, so it’s my honor to explain this distinction and share what’s possible for your special family at the Walt Disney World Resort.
The
Disney Military Salute ticket offer is for four- or five-day tickets at a discounted rate, eligible for active or retired service members only. You’re correct in that this offer is not available for Veterans or Disabled Veterans if they have not also formally retired. We are fortunate to have had so many men and women serve our wonderful nation over the years that the Veteran population is quite large. The Military Salute offer is aimed towards the smaller population of active or retired service members and their families.
Good news, Lisa – Veterans and Disabled Veterans are eligible for discounted Magic Your Way tickets through Shades of Green, an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) on the Walt Disney World Resort property. You can order these tickets in more flexible day visit increments than the Military Salute, and do not have to purchase in person at Shades of Green. Please review the
eligibility guidelines and see their
order form and process on their website. Unlike the Military Salute offer, these tickets will arrive in the mail to you already activated which also saves time on your first theme park day. You can connect these tickets upon receipt to your
My Disney Experience App and begin planning all the details of your special vacation. When you arrive, you simply scan your ticket for entry without further activation steps, and head to your first attraction!
If you are in the beginning stages of planning your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, I encourage you to also look into staying at Shades of Green. This resort offers discounted rooms for Veterans every day (plus
seasonal special offers) and boasts the
largest standard rooms on property! The simple tropical theme, many onsite amenities, several pools, transportation options, and proximity to Magic Kingdom Park make it a great option for your family since they are eligible to stay there.
I hope this helps you see what’s possible. Please know the great respect and value that Disney places on your family’s service and Veteran status. Walt Disney was a true patriot, and there are many incredible Americana experiences throughout the theme parks to honor this which your family may also enjoy.
Please see another question I recently answered where I list some of my favorite patriotic experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Please
write me back directly if you’d like to continue our conversation, I’d love to help you continue to plan this special vacation and honor your family’s service with some more ideas to make the most of your magical experience.
With gratitude,
Amy